Patent Application
20130091832
The present disclosure is drawn to a reinforced V-band clamp.
A fastener is a hardware device that mechanically affixes or joins two or more objects. A majority of fastening devices have the capability to be selectively secured and removed on demand. Such removable fastening devices replace other, generally more permanent methods of joining materials, such as crimping, welding, and use of various adhesives.
A clamp is a type of a fastening device used to secure tightly or hold together objects to prevent their relative movement or separation through an application of inward pressure at the objects' interface. Depending on the clamp's actual construction, the clamp may be a non-reusable type of a fastening device or configured to be fastened, removed, and then refastened on demand.
A band clamp, also known as a web clamp, is a type of a clamp which allows the clamping of objects whose surfaces needing to be clamped are not parallel to each other, where there are multiple surfaces involved, or where clamping pressure is simultaneously required from multiple directions. The clamping pressure is generally applied either through a mechanical method, such as a screw or ratchet mechanism which tightens the band, or through an elastic nature of the band material itself.
A V-band clamp is a type of a band clamp that is characterized by an angled or “V” shaped cross-section of its band. The band's V-shaped cross-section is used to squeeze complementary angled flanges of the objects sought to be clamped in order to draw in and press the subject flanges together.
A clamp includes a curved band having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end. The band is characterized by a substantially V-shaped cross-section located in a radial plane of the band. The inner surface of the band defines the inside contour of the V-shaped cross-section. The clamp also includes a fastener configured to draw together the first and second ends such that the band may be tightened around adjacent flanges of objects sought to be clamped together. The inner surface is configured to press or squeeze the flanges together and clamp the objects. The band includes a reinforcement configured to stiffen the substantially V-shaped cross-section and minimize yielding of the cross-section when the objects are being clamped.
The substantially V-shaped cross-section may be defined by a first portion, a second portion, and an interface joining the first and second portions. In such a case, the reinforcement may be arranged at the interface.
The reinforcement may be at least one localized formed depression projecting from the inner surface. Furthermore, the at least one localized formed depression may be a plurality of depressions staggered along the band.
The reinforcement may be at least one radial rib projecting from the outer surface. The at least one radial rib may extend continuously over the first portion, the second portion, and the interface.
The at least one radial rib may be formed on the band. The at least one radial rib may also be affixed to the band. Furthermore, the at least one radial rib may be a plurality of ribs arranged along the band.
The band may include a plurality of curved segments linked by a hinge. Additionally, the band may be formed from stainless steel.
An engine assembly that includes a first exhaust component and a second exhaust component having respective first and second flanges being squeezed and clamped together via the clamp is also disclosed.
The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components,
The cylinders of the engine 10 typically receive a mixture of fuel and air to generate combustion and produce engine output torque at the crankshaft via the reciprocation of the pistons. Following combustion of the fuel-air mixture inside the cylinders, the post-combustion gasses are passed to the atmosphere through dedicated exhaust system 16 having an exhaust gas catalyst 18. As known by those skilled in the art, exhaust gas catalysts are typically configured to oxidize and burn hydrocarbon emissions present in the exhaust flow. Although the engine 10 is illustrated as a compression-ignition type, a spark-ignition type of an engine is similarly envisioned.
The exhaust system 16 also includes an exhaust-gas driven turbocharger 20. The turbocharger 20 is configured to pressurize the incoming air flow via a compressor wheel (not shown) that is housed inside a compressor housing 22. The pressurized airflow is subsequently used in combination with a proportionately supplied amount of fuel for combustion to thereby enhance torque output and volumetric efficiency of the engine 10. The turbocharger 20 also includes a turbine wheel (not shown) that is housed inside a turbine housing 24. The turbine wheel is mounted on a common shaft (not shown) with the compressor wheel. The shaft is rotatably supported inside a bearing housing 26. The turbine housing 24 is attached to the cylinder heads 14 for receiving the exhaust gas flow from the engine cylinders. As the turbine wheel is energized by the exhaust gas flow being released by engine 10 following each combustion event, the turbine wheel transmits rotational motion to the compressor wheel for pressurizing the incoming air flow.
As shown in
As is known by those skilled in the art, the temperature of post-combustion exhaust gases may exceed 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit in compression-ignition engines, and may exceed 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit in spark-ignition types. Additionally, the respective interfaces between the turbine housing 24, the bearing housing 26, the catalyst 18, and the downpipe 28 are generally sought to be substantially sealed such that any exhaust gas leakage therethrough is minimized. Accordingly, matched interface surfaces, as well as robust fasteners, such as clamps and screws, capable of withstanding elevated temperatures are typically required.
The turbine housing 24 is coupled to the bearing housing 26 via a clamp 30. The turbine housing 24 includes a fastening flange 32 and the bearing housing 26 includes a complementary fastening flange 34, wherein the flanges are engaged and drawn together by the clamp 30. Each of the flanges 32 and 34 is characterized by an angled surface, 33 and 35 respectively (shown in
As shown in
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As shown in
Other interfaces on the exhaust system 16 may also be joined via the same type of clamp 30. As shown in
Additionally, although not depicted in the Figures, the turbine housing 24 may also be coupled to the catalyst 18 turbine housing 24 via clamp 30. Accordingly, the downpipe 28 would include a fastening flange and the catalyst 18 includes a complementary fastening flange that would be engaged and drawn together by the respective clamp 30. Similar to surfaces 33 and 35 shown in
Generally, the fastening or clamping pressure from the clamp 30 is applied from two opposing sides of a particular joint between two objects, at an angle towards the center of the band 36 to thereby squeeze the mating flanges together as the clamp is tightened. Such clamping pressure tends to spread the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 apart. When combined with elevated heat of the exhaust system 16 during operation of the engine 10, over time the clamping pressure is particularly likely to permanently yield the cross-section 3-3 at the corner transitions 58. Such yielding of the cross-section 3-3 will permit the joint between the objects to eventually loosen and an exhaust gas leak to develop. The addition of reinforcements 56 to the band 36 are intended to counteract the clamping pressure and reduce the likelihood of the cross-section 3-3 yielding, thus minimizing the possibility of an exhaust gas leak through the respective joint.
While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
